Effect of Naloxegol on Opioid-Induced Esophageal Motility Disorder

Opioid effects on lower gastrointestinal motility are well documented, and increasing attention is being paid to their effect on esophageal motility. Naloxegol is a µ-opioid receptor antagonist that is used for opioid-induced constipation, but its impact on esophageal motility has not been well documented. We report a case series of 3 patients with coexisting esophageal dysmotility and constipation on chronic opioids that improved both symptoms after starting naloxegol. Based on these observational studies, we propose that formal studies be conducted to assess the effect of naloxegol on opioid-induced esophageal dysmotility.